Rehabilitation system to help people with upper-limb amputation use myoelectric prostheses
Official title: Regulatory clearance of a rehabilitation system for individuals with upper limb loss
Funded at Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC · NIH-11081002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A combined training and control system to help people with upper-limb amputation learn and reliably control myoelectric hands, wrists, and elbows.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,019,800 |
| NIH project number | 5U44NS119842-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with upper-limb loss who are candidates for or early users of myoelectric prostheses, especially those in the early post-amputation 'golden window,' are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who use only body-powered prostheses, have lower-limb-only amputations, or are not candidates for myoelectric devices may not benefit from this system.
What this research studies
This project is building a system that combines a pattern-recognition controller (Sense) with low-profile EMG electrodes and lightweight batteries to connect to many myoelectric prostheses. It also includes a virtual-limb training program (MyoTrain) designed for use early after amputation so you can practice control before receiving a definitive prosthesis. The team plans to add visual "Active Coaching" feedback to make muscle signals more repeatable and easier for the system to distinguish, and to simplify fitting so patients can begin training sooner. Their goal is to obtain regulatory clearance so the integrated package can be offered clinically with fewer delays for reimbursement or custom fabrication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people learn prosthesis control faster and more reliably, improving daily function and independence.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work on pattern-recognition myoelectric controllers and virtual training has shown promising improvements in control, but packaging these elements into a cleared clinical product is a newer step.
Where this research is happening
-
Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaliki, Rahul Reddy — Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kaliki, Rahul Reddy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Advancing a durable, 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic finger system for partial hand loss
A new 3D-printed, powered prosthetic finger system aims to give people with partial hand loss a stronger, more reliable option for everyday tasks.
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Low-profile 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic finger for partial hand loss
This project creates a strong, low-profile 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic digit to help people with partial hand amputations regain hand function.
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Improving control of prosthetic arms for amputees
This study is testing a new way for people with artificial arms to control their prostheses more easily and naturally, using simple movements like a joystick, so they can enjoy a better experience in their daily lives.
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Improving rehabilitation for individuals with upper limb loss
This study is all about creating new tools to help people who have lost their arms learn to use prosthetics better, making their recovery easier and improving their everyday lives.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.